JFJ Press Release: JFJ Appalled by the Slaying of Special Constable Dowan Peart

January 31, 2013, Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is appalled by the murder of Special Constable Dowan Peart on Tuesday in St. Catherine and condemns those responsible for this dreadful act. We find it cold, reprehensible and inhumane.

Reports indicate that the special constable was on his way home in Portmore and had stopped to help occupants in a car reportedly bearing government licence plates when he was pounced upon by the occupants who realised he was a police officer. The murder of the policeman, though not slain while in the line of duty but killed because of what he represents, signifies an attack on the state and a callous and cowardly disregard for life and law and order.

JFJ is deeply saddened by this killing of a man who stopped to help simply because he was a policeman and is appalled by the violence that has been sweeping our nation.

JFJ extends deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the special constable and calls on anyone with information about the circumstances of his death to come forward and make a report to the relevant authorities. We urge the investigation to proceed swiftly and hope the police will soon be able to apprehend those who murdered Special Constable Peart and bring them to swift justice in the courts.